My name is Stanley Mmotla.

I am 47 years old, a husband and a father of three. I am a qualified financial administrator by profession.

I have lived in Thembisa for many years, and it is a vibrant community that has played a significant role in shaping the person I am today.

I am also the founder of Ridge FCRabie, which is a development football team. I am committed to nurturing young talent and giving back to the community through sport.

ALSO READ: Thembisa dancer proud of Banna Re Mokgobe’s national achievements

One of my favourite memories of growing up in Thembisa is the football culture that influenced much of my life.

I grew up watching Tembisa Classic at Makhulong Stadium and Orlando Pirates at Mehlareng Stadium. The atmosphere, the loud cheers, the community spirit and the passion in the stands made every match unforgettable.

Those experiences did not just entertain me; they inspired me. They fuelled my love for football and taught me about unity, pride and the power of community.

What I love most about Thembisa is the strong sense of togetherness. It is a place where people genuinely care for one another, where neighbours become family and where support is always close by.

There is a unique energy in this community, a mix of resilience, pride and unity, that keeps you grounded and inspired.

Thembisa has a way of reminding you that no matter the challenges you face, you are never alone.

One of my passions is moving around the township and identifying young football talent. It is something I deeply enjoy, as it keeps me connected to the community and its future stars.

ALSO READ: Thembisa dancer proud of Banna Re Mokgobe’s national achievements

For relaxation, I spend time at the sports fields. Whether I am watching training sessions, supporting local teams or simply taking in the atmosphere, the sports grounds have always felt like home to me.

A defining moment in my life came during my high school years. I was privileged to be surrounded by a professional footballer, Sello Page Mahlangu, who was also my accounting teacher.

He recognised my potential while I was captaining the U17 team and later introduced me to the late Ted Dumitru.

That opportunity exposed me to a broader world of discipline, professionalism and ambition. It shaped my confidence, leadership and belief in what I could achieve beyond both the classroom and the football field.

One of the challenges I believe Thembisa faces is the lack of structured opportunities for young people.

Many talented youths, particularly those interested in sport, education and personal development, do not always have access to the right platforms, mentorship or resources to guide them forward.

The person who inspires me most is Mahlangu. He was not just a teacher but also a mentor who believed in me at a crucial stage of my life.

ALSO READ: Meat World celebrates eight years with Thembisa store relaunch

As captain of the U17 team, I learned discipline, leadership and confidence under his guidance. What inspires me most is how he used his own journey in football and education to uplift others.

If I had to describe Thembisa in three words, they would be vibrant, resilient and united.

Vibrant, because of the energy, culture and life within the community.

Resilient, because people continue to rise above challenges with strength and determination. United, because the community is built on togetherness, support and a strong sense of belonging.

A unique fact about me is that I had a strong left foot during my playing days.

I started as a left back before being converted into a defensive central midfielder.

Along the way, I had the privilege of sharing the field with talented players such as Mdu Yende, Tsietsi Mahoa and Cavin ‘Shakes’ Sibeko. While football played a major role in my life, I eventually chose to focus on my studies and qualified as an accountant.

”One of my long-term goals is to establish a football academy structure that offers free development opportunities for exceptional talent.

“The best advice I have ever received came from my father, Jacob Mmotla, who told me, ‘Talent can open the door for you, but discipline is what keeps you in the room’.

“At the time, I was deeply involved in football and surrounded by talented players who later became professionals. His words grounded me and reminded me to build a solid future beyond sport.

“That advice shaped not only my career path, but also my character, guiding me to pursue my studies seriously and ultimately become a qualified accountant.

“To me, home is more than just a place; it is where your story begins, where your values are shaped, and where your heart always returns.

“It is the people who raised you, the community that supported you and the memories that remain with you for life.

“No matter where life takes me, Thembisa will always be where my roots are and where my journey truly started.

ALSO READ: Football coach Nqobile Mtshali shares his Thembisa story

“Today, I am proud to serve as chairperson of a well-structured development football club called Brave Lions, based in Rabie Ridge.

“It is a role that allows me to give back to the community that shaped me and to continue investing in the next generation.”